The Perseid meteor shower, which lights up the summer night sky each year, will reach its peak on August 13. This year, with minimal moonlight interference, conditions for observing shooting stars are expected to be relatively favorable, provided the weather is clear.
According to the International Meteor Organization (IMO)'s 2026 meteor shower calendar, the Perseid meteor shower has been active since July 17 and will continue until July 24, with the peak expected between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. UTC on August 13. In South Korea, this translates to a peak observation window from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time, making it difficult to witness the exact peak moment.
As a result, the best observation times in South Korea are expected to be from the night of August 12 to the early morning of August 13. During this period, the sky will be dark, and the radiant point of the meteor shower will gradually rise, making it more favorable for observation. The IMO notes that after 10 p.m. local time, the radiant point will be at a suitable height for viewing in mid-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Observation conditions are promising. The IMO predicts that with the new moon on August 12, there will be no moonlight interference, creating excellent conditions for optical observation. NASA also forecasts that the Perseid meteor shower will peak between the night of August 12 and the early morning of August 13, coinciding with the new moon, resulting in a dark sky.
The IMO has indicated a zenith hourly rate (ZHR) of 100 for this meteor shower. However, this figure assumes ideal conditions with a completely dark sky and the radiant point directly overhead. The IMO has also stated that based on separate model calculations, the actual basic activity level this year may be lower than the typical ZHR of 100. In urban areas, light pollution, buildings, and clouds can further reduce the number of visible meteors.
The Perseid meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the debris left by the Swift-Tuttle comet. Particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, creating bright streaks of light known as shooting stars.
No telescope is needed for observation. It is advisable to find an open area away from city lights and to look broadly at the sky, focusing on the northeast. NASA recommends avoiding bright screens and allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. However, actual visibility will depend on cloud cover and precipitation on the day of the event.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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